My HYBRID is my everything bike. I'm not an avid rider like so many on BF but I will ride mine to work starting next month. I also use it to run light errands once in a while and for exercise/fun rides with the husband.

I use my hybrid for basic transportation. It's 4-6 miles to the nearest bus stop or train station, so unless I can cadge a ride from a family member in his car, I ride. I don't ride every day, as the Family Driver is pretty good about acting as chauffeur, but I like to be on my own schedule if I can, and the bike is a lifesaver when The Driver is out of town. I have biked to and from temp jobs, sometimes all the way. Other times I rode the bike to catch the bus or train.

I'm what you'd call Involuntarily Car Light. I used to live in a city, where the bus stopped on the corner near my apartment, and while I have owned cars I junked my last one years ago, rather than let it be a money pit. Eventually I let my driver's license expire, which I now regret. I used to walk or take the bus to work, occasionally rent a car, and ride my bike some. I'd happily do that now, but I've been out of work, and now live in a very car-centric area.

Once I obtain regular employment, I suppose I'll move to an apartment that's much better served by mass transit, if I can. Then I'll be able to switch back and forth between bus, train and bike, as needed.

I may need to budget for a better bike, too. I hit a bad hole in the road on my Univega Trail today and bent the rigid front fork. I got some free roadside assistance from a fellow rider, so it rolls, but I should replace it as soon as I can.

Even if my income spiked, and I could easily afford a dependable car, insurance and fuel, I'd still ride for the exercise and enjoyment. Since I started riding again I've been mentally kicking myself for the years I let my old 12-speed sit, neglected, in the basement storage locker of my old flat. The money I could have saved that I spent on bus fare, the extra pounds that wouldn't have been added to my beer gut....

Fast conveyance down the uneven, and often unpaved, roads and pathways here in northern Vermont. Either for pleasure, or to do some work or photography. I love the feeling of knowing that if it's not a crazed, boulder-strewn mountain-trail - I can take my bike down whatever paths I desire. And maintain a good speed in so doing.

My original intent was not to commute with my bike and when I bought it I had never even considered it. I bought it for pure pleasure. I have been into fitness pretty heavy for the last 15 years. Last year when gas went off the chart is when it 1st crossed my mind. My hours at work and the distance from my farm where the hurtles to overcome. It took some time but I figured it out. I am fortunate and run my division at work and manipulated my employees to control my hours. Then I found a place to drive part way and ride the rest. 10 miles each way currently. So now I save gas, reduce my carbon footprint, and get my aerobic workout in in 1 shot. There is always a way

The primary use of my Marin Mill Valley is as a back up to my Kona Nunu MTB which is used primarily as a short haul light freight delivery vehicle.

The Marin with a large load.

My Cannondale H300 CAAD1 was being used to take up space and collect dust until reading this forum made me want to take it out for a ride.

"Inspiration, move me brightly..."

I'm hoping to put it back into service, perhaps as the primary or maybe back-up hauler. The Marin then could be used for faster longer rides on the weekend. I'll probably swap the rear racks, the nice big Jandd will match the front rack on the H300, which makes a better utility bike. Smaller, lighter rack on the Marin, my sportier ride.

Four primary uses! That kinda sums up what hybrids are all about. Too bad yours is a touring bike and not a hybrid. You believe it's a hybrid and maybe that's what a hybrid really is. A bike that can do it all if the rider believes it can. Your bike is defined by what you do with it.